The Wayne, N.J. native had a successful high school career at St. Peter’s Prep, where he was a 100-point scorer which led to earning All-Conference and All-North Jersey honors in his senior season as a captain. He was also inducted into the National Honor Society. Barbieri had many options in colleges where he could play lacrosse, but he chose WC, and has thrived since his arrival in Chestertown. “Initially when I visited WAC I knew right away that it was the right school. I went with my gut feeling and made the right decision,” he explains. “The Eastern shore and small community was a great fit for me as well as the history of Shoremen lacrosse.”

Barbieri, a Presidential Fellow, is majoring in economics with a double-minor in business management and accounting & finance. The active schedule of balancing school and athletics as a student-athlete presents Barbieri with a unique experience.

“Being a student athlete gives an opportunity to challenge myself competitively and develop friendships with teammates that will last a lifetime,” he states.

Barbieri has excelled both in the classroom and on the field. Last season, he was named to the All-Centennial Conference second team after leading the Washington College team with 30 goals, 17 assists, and 47 total points. Within a little over a week, he landed a spot on the Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll. Then, a few short months after the season, Barbieri was named a 2016 Scholar All-American by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association.

Most recently, to begin the 2016-2017 school year, Barbieri was accepted into the Wall Street Targeted Career Program, run by the Washington College Career Center. The program is aimed in aiding rising juniors in finding new internship opportunities as well as further assistance in pursuing a career in business or the financial sector.

Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach/Assistant Director of Athletics Jeff Shirk appreciates Barbieri’s well-rounded efforts and accomplishments. “I love the kid. He gets it on every level. Makes academics a priority, works his tail off at lacrosse, and is a genuinely good person. Earning Academic All American honors last year was a well deserved reward for all of his efforts. One of the best aspects of coaching at WAC is seeing how much all of our athletes support each other both on and off the field,” he said. He also reflected on the positive environment an athletics program at WC provides for its student-athletes.

“It is common to see guys tutoring each other and talking about how excited they are when someone does well in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the athletics field,” he said. “Not all places embrace the D3 ideals of being a well-rounded student-athlete like our student-athletes do at WAC. It makes me happy to witness on a daily basis and very proud when our guys are honored for these efforts on the national stage.”

Being a member of the biggest athletic team at WC will forever leave a positive impact on Barbieri. “The team provides a close knit family and focus.  We develop relationships with teammates and coaches that last a lifetime,” he says.  “I’m proud to represent the Shoremen and happy that all the work in both the classroom and field has been recognized, with a thank you to Coach Shirk for guiding me through the process and setting me up for success.”

With the past success already planted down, it won’t be very surprising to see Barbieri prosper in his final two seasons as a student-athlete at WC, both on and off the field.

 

-Andrew Chirico ’18